As the world watches the return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has been cautioned to tread carefully. Renowned political scientist and former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has advised Tinubu to avoid confrontations with the United States’ newly inaugurated 47th president.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Akinyemi delivered a stark warning about the potential risks of engaging in direct conflict with Trump.
“If I were President Tinubu, I would try to steer clear of antagonising him,” Akinyemi stated. “There is nothing a bully likes more than taking on people who are not strong enough to resist him. You know there is that African proverb: if you are not strong enough to take on a bully and you challenge him, you will only suffer more for it.”
Trump’s Aggressive Tone
Akinyemi did not mince words when describing Trump’s inaugural address, calling it “uninspiring, shocking, and depressing.” According to the former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Trump’s speech was riddled with hostile rhetoric that could unsettle global stability.
“Rather than rallying the world for peace,” Akinyemi observed, “Trump used his speech to threaten the rest of the world with a bouquet of hostile policies.” Among the contentious proposals highlighted were Trump’s intentions to reclaim the Panama Canal, rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, and pursue aggressive tariff wars.
The professor stressed that these policies would likely alienate many nations and might provoke diplomatic tensions. “The world is in for a rough ride during the four years of the Trump presidency,” he said grimly.
Nigeria’s Position in Trump’s World
While Trump’s policies have historically emphasized an “America First” agenda, Akinyemi argued that Nigeria is no longer a significant priority for the U.S. president. “Nigeria should not expect anything extraordinary from the Trump presidency,” he remarked, underscoring the need for Tinubu to strategize carefully in managing relations with Washington.
The former minister added that Africa’s most populous nation must brace for a presidency that prioritizes American dominance, potentially to the detriment of global allies.
“Nigeria is not on Trump’s radar,” Akinyemi stated bluntly. “What should concern us is ensuring that we are not collateral damage in his aggressive pursuit of American interests.”
The Danger of Confrontation
Akinyemi cautioned against allowing emotions or national pride to dictate foreign policy decisions. He urged Tinubu to explore non-confrontational avenues for addressing any U.S. actions that might adversely affect Nigerian interests.
“There are ways in which you could address his actions without confrontation,” Akinyemi advised. “Even if that means tolerating actions that step on Nigeria’s toes, it’s better to use diplomacy and indirect approaches than to openly challenge him.”
This advice aligns with the traditional African proverb that Akinyemi referenced earlier in the discussion, emphasizing the futility of engaging a bully without adequate resources or support.
A New Era of Global Tensions
Trump’s return to the presidency, four years after his electoral defeat by Joe Biden, marks a controversial chapter in global politics. Known for his combative style and polarizing policies, Trump’s presidency had previously strained relations with allies and stoked tensions with rival nations.
His inaugural speech only reaffirmed these concerns, with promises to reclaim lost territories and impose tariffs that could spark economic retaliation from other countries. Akinyemi suggested that Trump’s approach is not only reckless but unsustainable.
“Every policy has repercussions,” he noted. “Trump will soon learn that jingoism and unilateralism come at a price.”
A Delicate Balancing Act
As President Tinubu navigates this complex diplomatic landscape, the advice from Akinyemi underscores the importance of tact and restraint. Tinubu’s administration will need to balance national interests with the realities of an unpredictable and aggressive U.S. foreign policy under Trump.
Observers believe that Nigeria’s best course of action is to strengthen ties with other global powers, diversify its alliances, and avoid entanglements in Trump’s contentious initiatives.
Akinyemi’s remarks reflect a broader concern among analysts that the Trump presidency could usher in an era of heightened geopolitical instability. For Nigeria, a careful, measured response will be critical in avoiding unnecessary friction with the world’s most powerful nation.